New to outcomes-based contracting? Here are some jargon-free introductions to the various types of approaches
This guide offers an introduction to outcomes-based contracting, including its place among other methods of contracting out public services, the theoretical pros and cons, and the evidence to date.
New to impact bonds? This user-friendly guide will explore what impact bonds are, the evidence to date and how they work in practice in different countries around the world.
This guide provides an introduction to relational contracting in the public sector, explaining what it is, the potential benefits and challenges, and how to adopt a relational approach.
This guide introduces outcomes funds. It aims to document and describe outcomes funds around the world and identify lessons for future fund design.
Explore our datasets, case studies and publications to learn more about the latest research on outcomes-based contracting
We are the International Network for Data on Impact and Government Outcomes (INDIGO). Here you can explore our datasets, read our latest news, join our events and find out more about data sharing in the field of social outcomes.
A collection of in-depth case studies of impact bonds around the world
View the latest reports, evaluations and more on outcomes-based contracting
A glossary of key terms and working definitions around impact bonds and outcomes-based contracting
Interested in designing and managing outcomes-based projects? We have prepared some tools and guidance to help
Developed in consultation with a wide range of practitioners to support projects being established under the UK Government’s Life Chances Fund.
We have a range of guidance to support you develop impact bonds, from setting and measuring outcomes, to awarding the contract and pricing outcomes.
We've partnered with Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy(CIPFA) to develop a toolkit for public managers planning to assess VfM of outcomes-based contracting programmes, or any public programme with an outcome-focus.
Are you thinking of running an impact evaluation for your project? Check out our new Impact Wayfinder! We'll help you find the right evaluation for you according to the focus of your organisation and the scale of your project.
This innovative dashboard benchmarks performance data for each council in England with its Nearest Neighbour, the median of all local authorities in England and the average of the selected authority’s ten Nearest Neighbours.
Connect with others through our global directory, read the latest blogs, join our events and more.
Read the latest opinion and insights from the GO Lab network
Find out the latest news from the GO Lab and across the sector
Join our events, from webinars, regional events to international conferences
At the GO Lab, we host a selection of peer learning groups that aim to support learning and knowledge on outcome-based approaches. Read more on our different groups and upcoming sessions here.
The Government Outcomes Lab (GO Lab) at the University of Oxford is celebrating a major milestone, as its flagship data initiative, INDIGO, reaches 300 impact bonds.
Last updated 5 Nov 2024, 8 a.m.
A new report, co-produced by the GO Lab, NORRAG and Ecorys in collaboration with EOF, explores the transformative potential of Outcomes-Based Financing (OBF) in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE).
GO Lab and DCMS evaluated five projects supporting people with mental health challenges into employment, revealing key insights about effective partnership approaches and service delivery.
Last updated 4 Nov 2024, 8 a.m.
We are now accepting nominations for next year’s GO Lab Visiting Fellows of Practice programme.
Last updated 5 Jul 2023, 11:04 a.m.
This article summarises participants' contributions to the May 2023 INDIGO peer learning session.
Last updated 19 Jun 2023, 4:01 p.m.
Check out June's global Impact Bond Dataset snapshot. We are delighted to share our newer and more user-friendly snapshot design, which makes accessing those key data updates all the easier.
Last updated 13 Jun 2023, 4 p.m.
The Government Outcomes Lab (GO Lab) and the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) have entered into a new partnership to consolidate data and knowledge-sharing infrastructure on outcomes-based contracts, with a focus on sub-Saharan Africa.
Last updated 16 May 2023, 6 p.m.
Check out March's global Impact Bond Dataset snapshot. We are delighted to share our newer and more user-friendly snapshot design, which makes accessing those key data updates all the easier.
Last updated 3 May 2023, 4 p.m.
Last updated 3 Apr 2023, 4 p.m.
Recently named as European Young Leader: 40 under 40, Government Outcomes Lab Research Director Dr Eleanor Carter shares about this award, her experience of leadership, and being a woman in academia.
Last updated 7 Mar 2023, 10:15 a.m.
Last updated 3 Mar 2023, 4 p.m.
Check out February's global Impact Bond Dataset snapshot. We are delighted to share our newer and more user-friendly snapshot design, which makes accessing those key data updates all the easier.
Last updated 8 Feb 2023, noon
We are delighted to announce the 2023 Government Outcomes Lab Visiting Fellows of Practice, a leading group of practitioners from across the public, voluntary and private sectors. Click here to find out more about this year's Fellows.
Last updated 16 Jan 2023, 10 a.m.